Japan offers visa free port visits for Chinese cruise passengers

Japan has implemented a visa-free policy for cruise ship passengers from China aboard ships approved by the Japanese Minister of Justice

Japan has implemented a visa-free policy for cruise ship passengers from China since March 16, allowing visa-free landing for sightseeing purpose for passengers aboard ships approved by the Japanese Minister of Justice. The policy also requires passengers to re-embark their original ship, according to the latest notice by the Japanese and Chinese immigrations control bureaus.

Shanghai Pujiang immigration authorities require tour operators to submit a full passenger manifest via email in advance, and tour guides must bring the original manifest along with the travel documents of all tour members for immigration processing at the ticket counters.

The new visa-free policy for Chinese cruise passengers will bring greater convenience to tour operators and tourists alike as cruise lines can add ports to the routes and cut visa fees. The policy will draw more traffic to Japan’s ports and is seen as an effort by Japan to divert Chinese cruise passengers from rival Korea.

China’s Bohai Ferry Company’s liner Chinese Taishan and Costa Cruise China’s Atlantica, Victoria and Serena liners have already been approved and are eligible for the visa-free policy.(Translation by David)